The bumps
Mild bruising
Bruises
Insect bites
Superficial wounds
Splinters
Back pain
Canker sores
Gingivitis
Aches and pains
Ingestion of toxic products
Superficial burns.
Burning coffee pot that overturns, knife that slips, feet that get caught in the carpet, falling from a stepladder, hammer blows on the fingers, there are many opportunities for injury. Simple and appropriate gestures, carried out in time, can prevent any aggravation and heal quickly.
What should the medicine cabinet contain to deal with minor incidents?
Alcohol 70°-90°, hydrogen peroxide 10 volumes, saline, skin antiseptics, sterile compresses, plaster, bandage, adhesive and absorbent dressings for bleeding, local haemostatic, tweezers, scissors, analgesics for adults, antipyretics for children and infants, anti-inflammatory cream, anti-ecchymosis cream, healing cream.
What should you take in your gym bag?
Analgesics, anti-inflammatory gel, disinfectant solution and sterile compresses, pre-cut dressings, anti-ecchymosis cream, adhesive bandage.
Simple rules to avoid accidents
For children
Keep matches, sharps, household products, medicines and cosmetics, flowers and green plants (lily of the valley, oleander, ficus, etc.) out of reach.
Control the temperature of the bath and food, avoid hot water bottles, do not let the handles of pots and pans protrude from the stove, unplug household appliances after use, install eclipse sockets.
Do not leave a child alone in a high chair, in the bath, equip windows with safety systems, block access to stairs.
For everyone
Do not smoke in bed
Never handle flammable liquids (petrol, methylated spirits, white spirit, etc.) near a source of heat.
For the elderly
Make sure that the area is clear of all obstacles (small furniture, electrical wires.).
Fix carpets to the floor, put non-slip mats in the shower or bathtub, give preference to fitted carpets.
Equip the stairs with handrails, the bathroom with grab bars, put storage space within easy reach, have a stable and low stepladder.
Light rooms and corridors well, tidy up the garden to avoid objects lying around (tools, garden hose, etc.).
The first steps for small accidents and daily ailments
The bumps
haematoma resulting from a shock to a bony area (blow or fall) Most common locations: forehead, skull, temples.
What to do
Compress the bump with one or more fingers for a few minutes,
Then place an ice pack on top Apply a pain relieving gel to the bump (2 to 3 times a day).
When to seek advice from the pharmacist or doctor
If there is a large bump, due to a violent shock, on the temple, with progressive swelling, especially if it is a child, consult a doctor quickly.
Mild bruising
lesion without tearing of the skin occurring after a trauma caused by a blow or a fall (pain + red mark).
What to do
If the location allows it to pass the lesion under cold water for one minute or put an ice pack on it,
Place a small amount of analgesic gel on the painful area, massage to penetrate well, reapply 2 to 3 times a day.
When to ask your pharmacist or doctor for advice
If there is abnormal swelling or persistent pain.
Bruises
Rupture of the small vessels (haematoma) following a fall or a blow: red then bluish marks turning yellow or purple, slight swelling, pain on contact.
What to do
Apply an ice pack or compress soaked in very cold water,
Apply an analgesic gel to the painful area, massage it in, repeat the application 2 to 3 times a day.